The J product on the EK B777 was showing its age. The usual faux-wood trimmings, 2-3-2 config, a silly. very heavy IFE controller-with-screen, slow and clunky IFE and angle flat bed. Such a contrast with my recent QR journeys - both the QSuites and the non-QSuites flights were much superior to this one. Dare i say, for a QFF Award flight, I shouldn't have expected much better
. I mean it wasn't horrible, but there are much better products out there. You get what you pay for, I guess.
Menu was pretty good, and the FA service very good - couldn't fault it. A G&T and warm nuts to start:
The soup for me:
Lamb cutlets were really good. The 'sommelier's choice' wine turned out to be a 2016 Two Hands Shiraz, which was OK (no white equivalent). As I mentioned up-thread, the wine list and selection was a bit disappointing. Again, QR left it for dead.
and then cheese.
I deployed my new secret weapon for a good night;s sleep on board:
Mattress for J and F beds and the difference between QR and EK was shown again. On the QR flights, I could get the thing unrolled and inflated etc without anyone else knowing what i was doing (even in the non QSuites flight). Here, it was in full view and a couple of fellow pax were curious. Not a problem, but just shows the contrast in privacy.
But the inflatable mattress was a part fail this time - the bed was narrower, and the angle made it slip down the seat as I wriggled and tossed. Very poor nights rest.
'Breakfast' was served about an hour out - an odd choice, since it was going to be midnight when we put down. Fairly standard b'fast; yoghurt and granola for me, plus fruit etc.
I'd probably rate the FAs on this flight better than the QR ones - the service was less fussy on EK and certainly more efficient. They were also confident enough to chat with a few of the pax who engaged them.
We landed on time and fortunately the vast majority of the pax were transiting, so immigration wasn't that crowded. I was registered for the UAE Smart Gate as I was processed, which will be good for any future return.
Out of customs, turn right for Chauffeur Drive. It was a bit of a bun fight both at the counter and where you get your ride - I've never seen so many black limos all in one place!! A nice ride to the Sofitel Downtown. It was 39 degrees outside, at 1 am!